F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: 2009-2010

The above update is a recent abstract from our full article, itself part of our subscription offering. Keep reading to know more.

F-35A: incoming…
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The $382 billion F-35 Joint Strike fighter program may well be the largest single global defense program in history. This major multinational program is intended to produce an “affordably stealthy” multi-role fighter that will have 3 variants: the F-35A conventional version for the US Air Force et. al.; the F-35B Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing for the US Marines, British Royal Navy, et. al.; and the F-35C conventional carrier-launched version for the US Navy. The aircraft is named after Lockheed’s famous WW2 P-38 Lightning, and the Mach 2, stacked-engine English Electric (now BAE)Lightning jet. Lightning II system development partners included The USA & Britain (Tier 1), Italy and the Netherlands (Tier 2), and Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and Turkey (Tier 3), with Singapore and Israel as “Security Cooperation Partners.” Now the challenge is agreeing on production phase membership and arrangements, to be followed by initial purchase commitments in 2009-2010.

This updated article has expanded to feature more detail regarding the F-35 program, including contracts, sub-contracts, and notable events and reports. Recent events and major programs shifts have been added to this article, in order to ensure maximum continuity and context. 2012 developments are covered in this follow-up article.

Get instant access to the whole F-35 story, at $300 billion the largest weapons program ever, when you subscribe to DII. Our cross-linked article network and reference materials include:

Numerous photos and graphic cutaways; also tens of other photos of related systems and programs

The F-35A-C family of fighter variants, and some comparison to other fighters

Advanced systems and accessories, such as the Helmet (HMDS), the APG-81 AESA radar and more

Contributing contractors

Collaborating countries, who is involved, and how

Production timelines

Performance and capability controversies

GAO assessments of likely actual costs

Links to press releases, articles and statements from the source: Lockheed Martin, BAE, US DOD, US GAO, and others

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